How to make food look spectacular by using simple garnishes and a sense of whimsy!

There is nothing more haunting than the collapse of a souffle, bread not proofing or just any possibility of a culinary masterpiece going terribly wrong at a very inopportune time! Believe me it happens to the best of us and the only thing we can do is to try again. “Try and try again”, a saying only for the patient heart that loves to cook!

The one thing I have going for me is the inexhaustible will to “mess” with things until a satisfactory parallel is somewhat attained. Because of this remarkable “SABR” (patience) that God has bestowed upon me, any endeavor always seem to congruently “fall into place.” I seem to struggle less and advertently get things right the first time. I amaze myself every time!. With that said I only had one shot at the fabulous moussaka, at least that time, before my guests arrived! Don’t get me wrong, I do have lots of vulnerabilities, I just don’t let them get to me!

I love to play with my food and in so doing, armed with an aubergine( eggplant), carrot, lemon, craft knife and a sense of “giddy” carved out this penguin……apparently its fate ended up in my vegetarian moussaka below!

I told my cats, “If you do not behave then”……..I am just kidding guys!!!!

I swear this is the most flavorful spicy brown gravy ( i.s.o. bechamel) seeping down the sides of this spectacular savory vegetarian moussaka made my way! It has four distinct layers…roasted eggplant, umami glazed mushrooms etc……this is a lighter version!

This is yet another well thought out and executed recipe in my upcoming book. This book will not disappoint! This is a melt in your mouth, no mastication needed, slightly crunchy, garlicky creation that boggled even the most unsuspecting of taste buds!

My guests had only the most beautiful interjections for this culinary luxury! They polished off the whole thing….in fact they seemed a bit annoyed with me taking the pictures before they could finally enjoy it!

Easy entertaining!

Simple drinks with not so complicated garnishes make any guest feel special! BTW, the orange powder on the rim of the glass is all natural and its method is conveyed to you step by step in my book.This citrus powder can even be used in cookies .

However, the recipe for the “fizzy clementine & yogurt ice” is found below.

If you are a lover of refreshing ice tea, then boy! is this drink for you! This is a sweet clementine chamomile organic tea infused with the juice of a clementine, orange flower water, honey etc…. This sparkling citrussy drink will cleanse the palate and quench a rather urgent thirst! Delicious!

If you had a crappy day at the office, then this soothing drink will definitely take care of you! Bottoms up!

Mix 1/2 of the Italian orange passion, all the juice and pulp of the clementines, the orange flower water. Pour the glasses halfway with this mixture, top off with the sparkling water and garnish with the yogurt ice.

okay, that penguin is ADORABLE! i don’t think i’ve ever seen a piece of food turned into something so cute. then, on the other hand, i don’t think i’ve ever seen that same piece of food turned into something so tasty–that moussaka looks insanely good!

Absoulutely scruptous I say! My mouth is watering staring at your vegetarian moussaka. In fact you always keep me on my toes, had to look up moussaka. I never heard of it! The fact that it\\\’s vegetarian appeals to me!

Your photos are eye appealing as usual, and I\\\’m especially glad you included the tea recipe. I need some new ideas, because tea is my only drink of choice even over water! I like how you garnished with sprigs of orange rind! Very nice, I always enjoy reading your posts, and always look forward to them!

I love the way you play with dishes and drinks. Your musakka looks definitely so appealing in a cake shape. Ive never thought it may have a vegetarian version.
And you made me curious about that orange powder on the rim of the glass. It looks great!